Saturday, September 5, 2009

Polynesian Tattoo

Polynesian Tattoo Designs - What You Need to Know

By Scott T Hastings

There are thousands of tattoo designs to choose from on websites and in catalogs. Tattoos in general are becoming more popular these days and it is Polynesian tribal designs that are becoming more frequent.

You must understand that there are two distinct styles when is comes to Polynesian tattoo . The first one is called Etna. Etna have a spiritual and religious significance for them. They are also magic symbols protecting against the gods. While Enata other style can be described as physical models that describe the person, there is identity and status. This includes their social, island of origin, occupation and history.

Symbols in Polynesian tattoo designs and their meanings are as follows --

* Shark teeth - Tattoos shark teeth are protected.

* Turtles - A symbol of the tortoise represents longevity and fertility.

* Shells - shells are a symbol of prosperity for the Polynesian people and they may have been used as the primary form of currency.

* Sharks - The shark itself is considered sacred. Polynesian shark tattoos are used as a symbol of protection against threats.

* Gecko - It is believed that the gecko has supernatural powers and are feared, but also held in check by the Polynesians. It is also believed that if a green gecko laughs when he is a terrible omen of misfortune and disease.

* Tiki - The Tiki God is often depicted with eyes closed. Because Tiki is able to smell trouble before it is seen.

The people of the Polynesian islands are spread everywhere. They include Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Easter Island, Tahiti, French Polynesia and even Hawaii. People across these islands developed there own distinct cultures over thousands of years. But what is fascinating is the similarity of cultures that have developed primarily in the practice of tattoo art. However tattoo Polynesian today does not mean in this day and age that people love to design rather than magical protection or tax status.